Prototype Car That Could Help People With Diabetes, UK

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 23 Jun 2008 - 4:00 PDT


A prototype of a car that monitors the blood glucose levels of people with diabetes has been developed.

The car flashes up blood glucose readings on a dashboard display. The driver would wear a tiny glucose-sensing device that would be inserted under the skin on the abdomen. The system would send the blood glucose reading to the car's dashboard via Bluetooth, a wireless system used in mobile phones to transmit music and picture files.

The prototype car was developed by the American company Medtronic.

An extra safety measure

"Diabetes UK welcomes the concept of this device. People with well-controlled diabetes pose no greater risk when driving than people without the condition if they take the necessary precautions," said Jemma Edwards, Care Advisor at leading health charity Diabetes UK.

"We recommend that people with diabetes check their blood glucose levels before they get behind the wheel and regularly during the journey to avoid having a hypoglycaemic episode. This tool has the potential to be an extra safety measure to warn of falling blood glucose levels."

Diabetes UK

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